U.S. patent application number 16/440622 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-19 for precharge manifold system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Performance Pulsation Control, Inc.. Invention is credited to John Thomas Rogers.
Application Number | 20190383434 16/440622 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68839220 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-19 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190383434 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogers; John Thomas |
December 19, 2019 |
PRECHARGE MANIFOLD SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A pulsation dampener system is provided. The pulsation dampener
system includes a pump that pumps fluid through the pulsation
dampener system. A pulsation dampener is located downstream from
the pump and dampens pulsations within the fluid. A pressure sensor
is located downstream from the pump and detects a pump pressure of
the fluid at the pulsation dampener. A wye pipe located downstream
of the pulsation dampener and the pressure sensor that diverts the
fluid into two or more flow paths. From the wye, a first flow path
increases pump pressure of the fluid and a second flow path allows
the fluid to flow unrestricted. Piping receives the fluid from the
first flow path and the second flow path and discharges the fluid
further downstream.
Inventors: |
Rogers; John Thomas;
(Garland, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Performance Pulsation Control, Inc. |
Richardson |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68839220 |
Appl. No.: |
16/440622 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62684531 |
Jun 13, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17D 5/00 20130101; F16L
41/023 20130101; F17D 1/20 20130101; F16L 55/05 20130101; G01L
19/0007 20130101; G01L 19/0609 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 55/05 20060101
F16L055/05; F17D 1/20 20060101 F17D001/20; F17D 5/00 20060101
F17D005/00; F16L 41/02 20060101 F16L041/02; G01L 19/00 20060101
G01L019/00 |
Claims
1. A pulsation dampener system, comprising: a pump configured to
pump fluid through the pulsation dampener system; a pulsation
dampener located downstream from the pump and configured to dampen
pulsations within the fluid; a pressure sensor located downstream
from the pump and configured to detect a pump pressure of the fluid
at the pulsation dampener; a wye pipe located downstream of the
pulsation dampener and the pressure sensor and is structured to
divert the fluid between two or more flow paths; a first flow path
located after the wye pipe and configured to increase the pump
pressure of the fluid upstream to the pump; a second flow path
located after the wye pipe and configured to maintain the pump
pressure of the fluid upstream to the pump; and piping configured
to converge the first flow path and the second flow path and
discharge the fluid further downstream.
2. The pulsation dampener system of claim 1, wherein the first flow
path includes a restriction configured to increase the pump
pressure of the fluid upstream of the first flow path.
3. The pulsation dampener system of claim 2, wherein the
restriction is one of: an orifice, a variable diameter orifice, or
a pressure regulating valve.
4. The pulsation dampener system of claim 1, wherein: the first
flow path includes a first valve configured to control a fluid
flowing within the first flow path, and closing the first valve
diverts the fluid to the second flow path.
5. The pulsation dampener system of claim 1, wherein: the second
flow path includes a second valve configured to control the fluid
flowing through the second flow path, and closing the second valve
diverts the fluid to the first flow path.
6. The pulsation dampener system of claim 1, further comprising: a
controller configured to: receive, from the pressure sensor, the
pump pressure of the fluid detected at the pulsation dampener, and
control a first valve in the first flow path and a second valve in
the second flow path based on the pump pressure of the fluid at the
pulsation dampener and an operating pressure of the system based on
a precharge pressure of the pulsation dampener.
7. The pulsation dampener system of claim 6, wherein the controller
is further configured to: when the pump pressure is below the
pulsation dampener precharge pressure, close the second valve to
divert the fluid into the first flow path increasing the pump
pressure of the fluid at the pulsation dampener above the pulsation
dampener precharge pressure due to a restriction in the first flow
path.
8. The pulsation dampener system of claim 6, wherein the controller
is further configured to: when the pump pressure of the fluid
reaches a pressure threshold, close the first valve to divert the
fluid into the second flow path maintaining the pump pressure of
the fluid at the pulsation dampener.
9. The pulsation dampener system of claim 6, further comprising: a
second pressure sensor located in the piping and configured to
detect a system pressure in the piping, wherein the controller is
further configured to: receive, from the second pressure sensor,
the system pressure of the fluid detected at the piping, and when
the system pressure of the fluid in the piping reaches the
operating pressure range of the pulsation dampener, close the first
valve and open the second valve to divert the fluid into the second
flow path.
10. The pulsation dampener system of claim 1, wherein the pulsation
dampener is a gas-charged or a reactive-charged dampener.
11. A method for dampening pulsation in a pulsation dampener
system, comprising: pumping, using a pump, fluid through the
pulsation dampener system; dampening, using a pulsation dampener
located downstream form the pump, pulsations in the fluid;
detecting, using a pressure sensor located downstream from the
pump, a pump pressure of the fluid at the pulsation dampener;
diverting, using a wye pipe located downstream of the pulsation
dampener and the pressure sensor, the fluid between two or more
flow paths; increasing the pump pressure of the fluid upstream to
the pump when the fluid is diverted to a first flow path located
after the wye pipe; maintaining the pump pressure of the fluid to
flow upstream to the pump when the fluid is diverted to a second
flow path located after the wye pipe; and discharging the fluid
downstream of the pulsation dampener system using piping after
converging the first flow path and the second flow path.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising increase the pump
pressure of the fluid upstream of the first flow path using a
restriction in the first flow path.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the restriction is one of: an
orifice, a variable diameter orifice, or a pressure regulating
valve.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: closing a first
valve, located in the first flow path, to divert the fluid to the
second flow path.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: closing a second
valve, located in the second flow path, to divert the fluid to the
first flow path.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: controlling, using
a controller, a first valve located in the first flow path and a
second valve located in the second flow path based on the pump
pressure of the fluid at the pulsation dampener and an operating
pressure based on a precharge pressure of the pulsation
dampener.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: when the pump
pressure is below the pulsation dampener precharge pressure, close
the second valve to divert the fluid into the first flow path
increasing the pump pressure of the fluid at the pulsation dampener
above the pulsation dampener precharge pressure due to a
restriction in the first flow path.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: when the pump
pressure of the fluid reaches a pressure threshold, closing the
first valve to divert the fluid into the second flow path
maintaining the pump pressure of the fluid at the pulsation
dampener.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving, from a
second pressure sensor located in the piping, a system pressure in
the piping; and when the system pressure of the fluid at the piping
reaches the operating pressure range of the pulsation dampener,
closing the first valve and opening the second valve to divert the
fluid into the second flow path.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the pulsation dampener is a
gas-charged or a reactive-charged dampener.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/684,531 filed
on Jun. 13, 2018. The above-identified provisional patent
application is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application relates generally to the operation
of fluid transfer systems and, more specifically, to providing a
precharge manifold decrease ramp-up time in a fluid transfer
system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Fluid transfer systems circulate fluid from a pump to
downstream equipment. Pulsations within the fluid can deteriorate
the integrity of the pump and that of other equipment downstream
from the pump. Pulsation control is the process of reducing
pulsations within the fluid of a fluid transfer system. Reducing
pulsations within a fluid transfer system can increase the
longevity of the equipment as well as the efficiency of the overall
system. Among the improvements desirable are reduced pulsation
amplitudes from pumps to the downstream system and greater
flexibility in integration of pulsation dampeners with other
elements of an overall pump system.
[0004] A pulsation control device is designed to reduce pulsations
in a fluid transfer system based on parameters of the fluid
transfer system while the system is fully operational. During
various periods of operation, such as while the fluid transfer
system is ramping up or ramping down, the fluid transfer system
might operate under different parameters and as such, the pulsation
device does not perform at the peak efficiency. Therefore, there is
a need for improved control to ensure that a pulsation control
device performs under near operational status during period of when
the system is not actually under fully operational conditions.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect thereof, a pulsation dampener system includes
a pump that pumps fluid through the pulsation dampener system and a
pulsation dampener, located downstream from the pump, for dampening
residual pulsations within the fluid. The system also includes a
wye pipe located downstream of the pulsation dampener that splits
the fluid into two or more flow paths. A first flow path for the
fluid is located at the wye, wherein the first flow path and
increases the pressure of the fluid. A second flow path for the
fluid is located at the wye, that allows the fluid to flow
unrestricted. The system also includes piping that receives the
fluid from the first flow path and the second flow path and
discharges the fluid further downstream. The system also includes a
pressure sensor located upstream of the wye pipe and configured to
detect the pressure of the fluid at the pulsation dampener. The
system also includes a second sensor or some user supplied monitor
downstream of the Wye to monitor system pressure.
[0006] In another aspect thereof method for dampening pulsation
includes receiving fluid from a pump. The method also includes
dampening pulsations in the fluid, using a pulsation dampener. The
method further includes detecting a pressure of the fluid at the
pulsation dampener. The method also includes splitting the fluid
into two or more paths downstream of the pulsation dampener, the
two or more paths include a first flow path and a second flow path.
Additionally, the method includes increasing the pressure of the
fluid, when the fluid flows through the first flow path.
[0007] Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be
advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases
used throughout this patent document: the terms "include" and
"comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without
limitation; the term "or," is inclusive, meaning and/or; and the
phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith," as well as
derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within,
interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or
with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with,
interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have,
have a property of, or the like. Definitions for certain words and
phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of
ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not
most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future
uses of such defined words and phrases.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure
and its advantages, reference is now made to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numerals represent like parts:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional and somewhat
schematic view of a reciprocating pump system employed within
pulsation dampener system with multiple flow paths according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified, somewhat cross sectional
view of a typical pulsation dampener employed within pulsation
dampener system with multiple flow paths according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 3A illustrates diagrammatic view of a pump dampener
system including a pulsation dampener installed between a pump and
a multiple flow paths according to various embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross sectional view of a combination
pipeline with a restriction according to various embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a fluid delivery and
pulsation dampening system with multiple flow paths according to
various embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a fluid delivery and
pulsation dampening system with multiple flow paths according to
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] FIGS. 1 through 5, discussed below, and the various
embodiments used to describe the principles of the present
disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only
and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the
disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the
principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any
suitably arranged piping manifold dampener that can be used to
control or partially control pulsation amplitudes.
[0016] Reciprocating systems, such as reciprocating pump systems
and similar equipment, operate in many types of cyclic hydraulic
applications. For example, reciprocating mud pump systems are used
to circulate the mud or drilling fluid on a drilling rig. Pressure
peaks as well as the magnitude of pressure pulsations within the
pumped fluid hasten the deterioration of the pump, the pump's fluid
end expendable parts, and equipment downstream from the pump, such
as measurement equipment used to determine drilling parameters.
Failure to control such pressure peaks and the magnitude of the
pulsation inevitably affects the operating performance and
operational life of the pump, pump fluid end expendable parts and
all upstream or downstream components. Additionally, pressure peaks
as well as the magnitude of pressure pulsations within the pumped
fluid can interfere with instrument signal detection and/or quality
of the signal detection.
[0017] Pulsation control equipment is typically placed immediately
upstream or downstream from a reciprocating pump. Pulsation control
equipment aids in reducing pump loads and minimizing pulsation
amplitudes to the pump, the pump's fluid end expendable parts, and
to equipment upstream or downstream from the pump. As a result,
pulsation control equipment increases the relative operating
performance and life of the pump, the pump's fluid end expendable
parts, and any equipment upstream or downstream from the pump. The
size and configuration of pulsation control equipment is
proportional to the volume of desired fluid displacement per stroke
of the pump and the maximum allotted magnitude of the pressure
peaks and magnitude of the pressure pulsations that may be
experienced by the pump system during each pulsation.
[0018] Different pulsation dampening systems have been developed.
Common types of pulsation dampeners are a hydro-pneumatic dampener,
or a gas-charged pressure vessel. A gas-charged pressure vessel
contains compressed air or nitrogen and a bladder or bellows that
separates the process fluid from the gas charge. A gas-charged
pressure vessel can be cylindrical or roughly spherical shaped.
Gas-charged pulsation dampeners may be either flow through or
appendage type devices. To optimize the pulsation dampening effect,
it is often preferable that the pulsation dampener be installed as
close as possible to the pump discharge. At such locations,
however, the presence of the pulsation dampener may interfere with
installation of other system components, such as a strainer.
[0019] Regardless of the type of dampener, the performance of a
pulsation dampener diminishes when the pressure of the fluid from
the pump is too far from the gas precharge pressure range that the
dampener is designed to handle. For example, the gas-charged
pulsation dampener design typically requires the gas precharge
pressure be slightly below the system pressure during normal
operations, and that the pulsation dampener be properly sized for
the system. Even when a pulsation dampener is installed in a
drilling system, pulsations may be experienced further downstream
from the pumps when the pulsation dampener is not properly sized or
precharged for the system. For example, an undersized dampener
cannot adequately compensate for pressure and flow fluctuations,
while an oversized dampener will act as an accumulator, storing too
much fluid and causing slow stabilization and delayed response to
system changes. Another example is the dampener precharge pressure
is too high for the system pressure, thus the system pressure
cannot compress the discharge dampener precharge pressure to engage
the gas to allow pulsation control to take place. When the pressure
of the fluid within the pipeline is ramping-up to a pressure
suitable for the drilling operation (which corresponds to a proper
sized pulsation dampener), the pulsation dampener can be considered
oversized since the pressure of the fluid is less than the pressure
that is suitable for drilling operations. As a result, pulsations
can progress downstream, since the pulsation dampener is oversized
during the ramp-up period. These downstream pulsations can cause
damage to the various downstream components (both equipment and
sensors), increased audible noise, increase noise in sensor
readings related to the drilling operation, and reduce performance
of the drilling operation, when the pressure of the system is not
within the pressure range the pulsation dampener is designed to
handle.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional and somewhat
schematic view of a reciprocating pump system 100 employed within a
pulsation dampener system with multiple flow paths, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. Generally, the reciprocating
pump system 100 includes a pump suction and/or discharge pulsation
control product including a gas-charged pulsation dampener or a
reactive pulsation dampener according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. The reciprocating pump system 100 may employ a
reciprocating pump of a type well-known and commercially available.
The pump within the reciprocating pump system 100 is configured to
reciprocate one or more plungers or pistons 101 (only one shown in
FIG. 1). Each piston or plunger is preferably connected by a
suitable rotatable crankshaft (not shown) mounted in a suitable
"power end" housing 102. Power end housing 102 is connected to a
fluid end structure 103 configured to have a separate pumping
chamber 104 for each piston or plunger 101. Pumping chamber 104 is
exposed to its respective piston or plunger 101. One such chamber
104 is shown in FIG. 1.
[0021] More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified
cross-sectional view through a typical pumping chamber 104. Fluid
end 103 includes housing 105. Pumping chamber 104 receives fluid
from inlet manifold 106 by way of a conventional poppet type inlet
or suction valve 107 (only one shown). Piston or plunger 101,
projecting at one end into chamber 104, connects to a suitable
crosshead mechanism, including crosshead extension member 106.
Crosshead extension member 106 is operably connected to a
crankshaft or eccentric (not shown) in a known manner. Piston or
plunger 101 also projects through a conventional liner or through
conventional packing 109, respectively. Each piston or plunger 101
is preferably configured to chamber 104. Each piston or plunger 101
is also operably connected to inlet manifold 106 and discharge
piping manifold 110 by way of a suitable suction valve 107 or
discharge valve 111, as shown. Inlet manifold 106 can include a
suction piping manifold that typically receives fluid from suction
stabilizer (not shown in FIG. 1) or a suction piping with a suction
stabilizer. Discharge piping manifold 110 typically discharges into
a discharge dampener (not shown in FIG. 1). Valves 107 and 111 are
of conventional design and typically spring biased to their
respective closed positions. Valves 107 and 111 each also may
include or be associated with removable valve seat members 112 and
113, respectively. Each of valves 107 and 111 may preferably have a
seal member (not shown) formed thereon to provide fluid sealing
when the valves are in their respective closed and seat engaging
positions.
[0022] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the techniques
of the present disclosure may be utilized with a wide variety of
single and multi-cylinder reciprocating piston or plunger power
pumps as well as possibly other types of positive displacement
pumps. As one example, the number of cylinders of such pumps may
vary substantially between a single cylinder and essentially any
number of cylinders or separate pumping chambers. Those skilled in
the art will also recognize that the complete structure and
operation of a suitable pump system is not depicted or described
herein. Instead, for simplicity and clarity, only so much of a pump
system as is unique to the present disclosure or necessary for an
understanding of the present disclosure is depicted and
described.
[0023] Conventional pump systems, such as the reciprocating pump
system 100 shown in FIG. 1, typically include a dampener system.
FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified dampener system 200. The dampener
system 200 is a cross sectional view of a typical pulsation
dampener 205, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Pulsation dampener system 200 includes a pulsation dampener 205
affixed to a pipeline 212. The pulsation dampener 205 includes a
diaphragm 202, a liquid chamber 204 containing a liquid, a gas
pressure chamber 206 containing a gas, and an inlet 210. FIG. 2
does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular
implementation of a drilling system.
[0024] Pulsation dampener 205 dampens low frequency pulsations and
pressure pulsations by reducing the lower frequency energies
created by the pumping actions. Pulsation dampener 205 dampens
pulsations contained within the fluid flowing through the pipeline
212. In certain embodiments, pulsation dampener 205 is located
above the pipeline 212.
[0025] Pulsation dampeners, such as the pulsation dampener 205, are
either directly attached to the discharge manifold 110 of FIG. 1,
or located downstream of the pump. Generally, the pulsation
dampener 205 receives "fluid" (which may be entirely liquid or
which may include suspended solids--i.e., a slurry) at an inlet
210. The inlet 210 can be connected to the discharge piping
manifold 110 of the reciprocating pump system 100 of FIG. 1 either
directly or by intervening piping (not shown). The connection
allows pumped fluid to enter the liquid chamber 204, via the inlet
210, of the pulsation dampener 205.
[0026] Fluid enters and exits the liquid chamber 204 via the inlet
210. The gas pressure chamber 206 is filled with pressurized gas to
a predefined pressure, known as precharge. In certain embodiments,
the pressurized gas is nitrogen (N.sub.2) or another gas. A
diaphragm 202 separates the gas pressure chamber 206 from the
liquid chamber 204. The pressurized gas in the gas pressure chamber
206 minimizes pressure variation of the fluid by absorbing system
shocks, pipe vibration, water hammering, pressure fluctuations, and
the like. By minimizing pulsation in the system, the longevity of
various components such as regulators, pumps, valves, sensors, and
so forth is increased since wear on the components caused by the
pulsations is reduced.
[0027] As the fluid passes into the liquid chamber 204 pressure
from the liquid can be exerted on the diaphragm 202 causing the
diaphragm 202 to compress the gas within the gas pressure chamber
206. When the pressure of gas within the gas pressure chamber 206
is increased, the gas occupies less volume, thereby increasing the
volume of the liquid chamber 204. Pulsations within the fluid are
then dispersed across the volume of the pressurized gas in the gas
pressure chamber 206. The volume and subsequent pressure of the gas
in the gas pressure chamber 206 increases and reduces in response
to pressure variances of the fluid. For example, as the pressure of
the fluid within the pulsation dampener 205 fluctuates, the gas in
the gas pressure chamber 206 compresses thereby decreasing the
pressure variance and pulsations within the fluid flowing through
the pipeline 212. That is, by increasing and decreasing the volume
of the gas within the gas pressure chamber 206, the amount of
pressure variation in the fluids contained within the liquid
chamber 204 and the pipeline 212 are reduced. The pressure
pulsations of the fluid are reduced, if not negated, by increasing
and decreasing the volumes of the gas within the gas pressure
chamber 206. When the precharge pressure is near the system
pressure, performance of the pulsation dampener 205 is
improved.
[0028] The fluid that enters the liquid chamber 204 is affected by
the pressure changes within the fluid. The pressure changes within
fluid cause the diaphragm 202 to move, which in turn compresses and
decompresses the gas in the gas pressure chamber 206. Compressing
and decompressing the gas in the pressure chamber 206 dampens the
pulsations within the fluid. For example, when energy from the
pulsations within the fluid is transferred to the gas in the
pressure chamber 206, the gas compresses, absorbing the pressure
spikes from the fluid.
[0029] The precharge pressure of the gas within the gas pressure
chamber 206 is preset. The precharge pressure is dependent on the
anticipated pump discharge pressures (also referred to as the pump
pressure) of the system. For example, if the pump discharge
pressure is 5,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), then the precharge
pressure of the gas is less than 5,000 PSI. However, if the
precharge pressure is too low (in comparison to the pump discharge
pressure), then the pulsation dampener 205 does not sufficiently
dampen the flow of the fluid and internal damage can occur to
components downstream as well as the dampener 205 itself. That is,
when the pump discharge pressure of the fluid compresses the
precharge gas beyond a threshold, the volume of the precharge gas
occupied within the discharge dampener is negligible. Additionally,
the bladder containing the pressurized gas, within the gas pressure
chamber 206, can sustain damage from impact or it can become
`unseated.` Alternatively, if the precharge pressure is the same or
higher than the pump discharge pressure then the pulsation dampener
205 does not perform any dampening.
[0030] When the pump is ramping up for a drilling operation, the
current pump discharge pressure is less than the intended
downstream system pressure (also referred to as system pressure)
while under drilling operations. Consequently the pulsation
dampener 205 does not perform any dampening, as its internal gas
charge pressure could be higher than the current pump discharge
pressure of the drilling system. Only after the internal pressure
of the pulsation dampener 205 (which is often fixed) is less than
the current pump discharge pressure, does the pulsation dampener
205 dampen pulsations within the fluid. It is noted that the pump
discharge pressure is the pressure of the fluid as it is discharged
from the pump, upstream of the orifice, and the downstream system
pressure is the pressure of the fluid downstream of the
orifice.
[0031] FIG. 3A illustrates diagrammatic view of a pump dampener
system 300 including a pulsation dampener installed between a pump
and a multiple flow paths, according to various embodiments of the
present disclosure. FIG. 3A does not limit the scope of this
disclosure to any particular embodiments of a precharge manifold
system.
[0032] The pump dampener system 300 reduces pressure pulsation
generated by the pumping motion of pump 310. The pump dampener
system 300 is design to increase a pressure of the fluid during
ramp-up operations, thereby dampening pressure pulsations earlier.
The pump dampener system 300 is located before a drilling rig or
system that requires a pumped fluid for operating. Pump dampener
system 300 includes at least one pump 310 (similar to the
reciprocating pump system 100 of FIG. 1), at least one pulsation
dampener 312 (similar to the pulsation dampener system 200 of FIG.
2), at least valves 320, 322, and 324, at least pipelines 302A,
302B, 302C, 302D, and 302E as well as at least one flow restricting
device, such as an orifice 326.
[0033] Pipelines 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, and 302E represent conduit
type tube to convey the fluid for the drilling operation from a
first location to a second location. The pump dampener system 300
can encompass a plurality of pipelines and is not limited to
pipelines 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, and 302E. Pipelines 302A, 302B,
302C, 302D, and 302E can be made of various materials (such as
steel or aluminum) and strong enough to withstand the internal
pressures of the fluid from the drilling operation.
[0034] The pump 310 can be a reciprocating pump or another type of
device that causes pulsations in fluids be transferred through a
pipeline. The pump 310 is connected to a reservoir or other fluid
containing system to move the fluid in the reservoir downstream
through pipeline 302A. In certain embodiments, pump 310 represents
a plurality of pumps connected to a plurality of pipelines
302A.
[0035] In certain embodiments, pulsation dampener 312 is connected
to pump 310 via pipeline 302A. For example, pipeline 302A is
attached to the discharge piping manifold of pump 310 (similar to
discharge piping manifold 110 of FIG. 1) and the intake piping
manifold of pulsation dampener 312 (similar to inlet 210 of FIG.
2). In another embodiment, pulsation dampener 312 is directly
connected to pump 310, and pipeline 302A is omitted. In certain
embodiments, pulsation dampener 312 represents a plurality of
pulsation dampeners.
[0036] In certain embodiments, pipeline 302A includes a pressure
sensor 315 to detect the pump pressure of the fluid leaving the
pump 310 and entering the pulsation dampener 312. The pump pressure
is important for determining the efficiency of the pulsation
dampener 312. The pulsation dampener 312 is "precharged" at a
certain pressure level to be optimized at the operating pressure of
the fluid discharged. The efficiency of the pulsation dampener 312
is greatly reduced when the pressure of the fluid in the pipe is
below the precharge pressure of the pulsation dampener 312.
[0037] The pulsation dampener 312 is also connected to the wye pipe
303 via pipeline 302b. Based on the reading from the pressure
sensor 315 the pump dampener system 300 determines whether the
pulsation dampener 312 will dampen pulsations from the pump 310.
For example, based on the precharge pressure of the pulsation
dampener 312 coupled with pump pressure of the fluid (as indicated
by the pressure sensor 315), the pulsation dampener 312 may or may
not dampen pulsations within the fluid. The pump pressure is
defined as the pressure of the fluid before the wye pipe 303. The
pump pressure is measured to determine the pressure of the fluid at
the pulsation dampener 312.
[0038] In certain embodiments, pipeline 302B includes a pressure
sensor (not shown) to detect the pressure of the fluid leaving the
pulsation dampener 312 and entering the wye pipe 303. In certain
embodiments, the pressure sensor 315 is located along pipeline 302B
instead of pipeline 302A, as depicted.
[0039] When pump 310 is running, during a drilling operation, at
its scheduled PSI, pump 310 transmits fluid into the fluid chamber
(similar to liquid chamber 204 of FIG. 2) of pulsation dampener
312. The pulsation dampener 312 can include a diaphragm (similar to
the diaphragm 202 of FIG. 2), and/or a pressure chamber (similar to
the gas pressure chamber 206 of FIG. 2). Fluid entering the
pulsation dampener 312 can contain unwanted pressure pulses and
pulsations. Once the fluid is within the pulsation dampener 312,
pulsations can be transmitted to the gas within the pressure
chamber, dependent on various parameters such as the precharge
pressure of the gas within the pressure chamber and the pump
discharge pressure of the drilling operation. The pulsation
dampener 312 is selected to match the operating output pressure
from the pump 310. For example, if the pressure of the fluid in the
pipeline is at 5,000 PSI, then the gas chamber within the pulsation
dampener 312 could be precharged to a comparable pressure, such as
2,500 PSI, to reduce low frequency pulsations, pressure pulsations
as well as reduces the lower frequency energies created by the
pumping actions.
[0040] Typically, the fluid leaves the pulsation dampener 312 via
pipeline 302B and continues through additional components and
equipment used in a drilling operation (not shown in FIG. 3A).
[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure recognize and take
into consideration that when pump 310 is ramping-up at the start of
a drilling operation or any other low pressure occurrence during
the drilling operation, the output pressure from the pump 310 can
be less than or equal to the precharge gas pressure set for the
pulsation dampener 312. When the pressure in the pipeline is less
than the precharge gas pressure or designed pressure of the
pulsation dampener 312, the ability of the pulsation dampener 312
to reduce pulsations is decreased as the gas chamber of the
pulsation dampener 312 is over-pressurized as compared to the
pressure of the fluid moving within the fluid chamber of the
pulsation dampener 312. The greater the difference between the
pressure in the pipeline as compared to the pressure in the gas
chamber of the pulsation dampener 312 the effectiveness of the
pulsation dampener 312 to reduce pulsations is reduced.
[0042] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that pipeline
302B diverts into at least two separate flow paths, to create
multiple flow paths of the fluid. In certain embodiments, the split
is a wye pipe 303. In certain embodiments, the wye pipe 303 is a
traditional wye fitting. Wye pipe 303 could represent any type of
pipe fitting that can diverge the pressurized the fluid into
multiple paths or directions such as, a diverter tee, a tee
fitting, or a cross fitting, to name a few. Pump dampener system
300 illustrates pipeline 302B splitting into pipeline 302C and
pipeline 302D. By utilizing multiple flow paths, where at least one
of the flow paths include a restriction such as orifice 326, the
pump discharge pressure of the fluid can be artificially increased.
By artificially increasing the pump discharge pressure of the fluid
over that of the actual pump discharge pressure, the pulsation
dampener 312 can be triggered earlier as the artificially
increasing pump discharge pressure exceeds the precharge pressure
earlier. By engaging the pulsation dampener 312 earlier, pressure
pulsations from the pump can be reduced earlier, even when the pump
310 is not functioning within the intended PSI. Eventually, the
multiple flow paths return to a single pipeline 302E, where the
flow outputs and continues through additional components necessary
in a drilling operation (not shown in FIG. 3A).
[0043] Although FIG. 3A depicts two pipelines 302C and 302D, any
number of pipelines may be used. For example, instead of two flow
paths (such as, pipelines 302C and 302D) branching of the pipeline
302B via wye pipe 303 into three of more branches can be utilized.
It should also be understood that the volume capacity of the two
pipelines 302C and 302D may be different. In addition, it should
also be understood that the two pipelines 302C and 302D may be made
of different sizes, shapes, and materials. In certain embodiments,
pipelines 302B, 302C, 302D, and 302E are the same size, shape, and
material.
[0044] Pipeline 302C, referred to as a first flow path, includes
valves 320 and 322 and a restriction device such as orifice 326.
Pipeline 302D, referred to as a second flow path includes valve
324. In certain embodiments, pipeline 302C includes only one valve,
either valve 320 or valve 322. It should also be understood that
pump dampener system 300 illustrates both valves 320 and 322 to
isolate orifice 326. Valves 320, 322, and 324 are of conventional
design and typically spring biased to their respective closed
positions. Valves 320, 322, and 324 can include a variety of valve
types including, but not limited to, a ball valve, a butterfly
valve, a chock valve, a gate valve, and the like. Valves 320, 322,
and 324 may preferably have a seal member (not shown) formed
thereon to provide fluid sealing when the valves are in their
respective closed and seat engaging positions. Pipeline 302C is
individually controlled by valves 320 and 322. Pipeline 302D is
individually controlled by valve 324. While pump 310 is operating
at lower pumping pressure (such as in the initial startup phase),
both pipelines 302C and 302D are not closed via valve 320, 322, or
324 at the same time.
[0045] Orifice 326 represents an orifice that restricts the flow of
the fluid moving through pipeline 302C. FIG. 3B illustrates an
example cross section of pipe restriction similar to orifice 326.
In certain embodiments, the orifice 326 is an orifice plate that
reduces pressure and restricts flow downstream. Since there is a
direct correlation between the pressure, volume and the velocity of
a fluid moving through a pipe, the orifice 326 interrupts the
standard flow of the fluid. For example, when velocity of a fluid
increase, the pressure increases. In contrast, when the pressure
increases, the velocity increases. That is, when the flow increases
or decreases the pressure will proportionally increase or decrease
when the pump is a positive displacement pump. For example, when
fluid passes through orifice 326, the pressure decreases and the
velocity increases downstream of the orifice 326. Similarly,
upstream of the orifice 326, the pressure increases and the
velocity decreases as compared to downstream conditions. Increasing
the pressure upstream of the orifice 326 artificially raises the
pump discharge pressure. Thereby the pump 310 is pumping against a
higher pressure than the pump 310 is otherwise generating.
Increasing the upstream pressure allows the pulsation dampener 312
to engage and reduce pulsations earlier. By varying the size of the
orifice 326, different back pressures can be attained.
Specifically, varying the size of the hole in orifice 326 can vary
the flow and thereby increase the back pressure by varying
degrees.
[0046] Pipeline 302C is referred to as the first flow path, as the
flow initially is directed through first through pipeline 302C. For
example, while the pump 310 is ramping-up, in order to increase the
pressure at the pulsation dampener 312 beyond the pressure as
generated by the pump 310 a restriction, such as orifice 326 is
utilized to increase the pressure upstream. Pipeline 302D is
referred to as the second flow path, as the flow is directed
through pipeline 302D, only after a predetermined downstream system
pressure of the fluid is obtained. For example, when the pump 310
is ramped up to generate a pump discharge pressure capable of
engaging the pulsation dampener, and the downstream system pressure
is sufficient to engage precharge pressure in the discharge
dampener, the artificially increased pressure via the orifice in
pipeline 302C (to engage the pulsation dampener 312 earlier in the
pump 310 ramp-up) is not necessary. The first flow path (via
pipeline 302C) containing the orifice 326 can be essentially
removed from the pump dampener system 300 by closing one or both
valve(s) 320 or 322. It is noted that valve 324 is opened prior to
closing valve 320 or 322 or both. By preventing fluid from flowing
through the orifice 326, the pressure of the fluid is reduced to
that of the pressure generated by the downstream system. By
utilizing two flow paths where one flow path includes a
restriction, the pressure of the fluid can be increased quicker
than the pressure as generated by the pump 310 alone.
[0047] In certain embodiments, pump 310 is a positive displacement
pump that displaces a constant fixed volume of fluid regardless of
the pressure or velocity. For example, if the pump 310 is a
positive displacement pump even though orifice 326 restricts the
flow downstream of pump 310, the same volume is displaced through
the orifice 326 over the same period of time. By utilizing an
orifice 326, the pressure can significantly increase upstream of
the orifice 326. The increased pressure allows the pulsation
dampener 312 to be engaged earlier, as the pressure of the fluid is
higher than the precharged pressure of the pulsation dampener 312.
In certain embodiments, the precharge pressure of the pulsation
dampener 312 is preset higher to better reduce pulsations when pump
310 is functioning at the system pressure, as the system pressure
can be artificially achieved earlier. The pulsation dampener 312 is
engaged earlier during the ramp-up and ramp-down of pump 310, and
the system spends less time under low pressures. As a non-limiting
example, by increasing the precharge pressure from 1,000 psi to a
higher pressure such as 2,000 psi, essentially reduces pulsation
magnitudes by 50%.
[0048] In certain embodiments, when pump 310 is ramping-up at the
start of a drilling operation, shutting down upon completion of a
drilling operation, or any other non-intended pressure drop
situation, valve 324 on pipeline 302D is closed, and valves 320 and
322 on pipeline 302C are open. When the flow leaves the pulsation
dampener 312, via pipeline 302B, the flow is directed to pipeline
302C. The flow is directed to pass through orifice 326. Upstream of
orifice 326 (pump 310 and pulsation dampener 312) the pressure is
increased. In contrast, downstream of orifice 326 (pipeline 302E)
the pressure is decreased and the velocity of the flow increases.
For example, when the pump 310 is ramping up, the pump is
continually increasing the pressure of the fluid and the volume
moving through the pipeline 302B. As the flow passes through
orifice 326, the pressure upstream of orifice 326 is artificially
increased, above downstream pressure. The artificial increase in
pressure is not the true pressure of the drilling operation, as it
is the pressure generated by the pump and the pressure created by
the orifice 326. Immediately downstream of the orifice 326 the
pressure is less than the downstream pressure as the velocity of
the fluid increases as it passes through the orifice 326. The pump
discharge pressure can be acquired via the pump 310 itself and the
downstream system pressure is acquired, by a sensor 316 or other
device supplied by user, a distance downstream from the orifice 326
when the flow returns to its system pressure as generated by the
pump 310. The system pressure is measured by sensor 316 to
determine the pressure of the fluid to be discharge downstream. The
system pressure can be used to determine when to close the valve
320 on the pipeline 302C and open the valve 324 on pipeline
302D.
[0049] When then pump discharge pressure is above the precharge
pressure of the pulsation dampener 312, the valve 324 is open on
pipeline 302D. The flow is then directed to either pipeline 302C or
pipeline 302D from pipeline 302B. The pressure of the system
returns to the pump discharge pressure, as the flow can bypass the
orifice 326 in pipeline 302C by traversing pipeline 302D.
Thereafter, the valve 320, the valve 322, or both, is closed to
direct the flow only through pipeline 302D. The flow is then
directed from the pulsation dampener 312 through pipelines 302B and
302D and the flow is outputted to the remainder of the drilling
system (not shown in FIG. 3A) through pipeline 302E.
[0050] In certain embodiments, multiple flow paths are possible,
where each flow path but one includes a restriction of varying
amounts to incrementally increase and decrease the upstream
pressure. For example, each pipeline can have a set of valves and
an orifice of varying diameter size, in order to control the
pressure during ramp up or during instances when the operating
pressure is less than the pressure that is needed by the pulsation
dampener 312 to effectively reduce pulsations. For example, the
flow may be split into three or more flow paths, with each path
with an increasing (or decreasing) orifice diameter size and one
pipeline with no restricting orifice. This allows the transition
from a restricted pipe to a free flowing pipe, and a pressure drop
associated with the transition to be reduced as the system can
transition through multiple restricted pipes (each with a different
restriction), and maintain the downstream system pressure within a
range to engage the pulsation dampener 312. Each valve(s)
associated with a pipe that includes a restriction can open and
close to direct the fluid to flow into pipe or prevent the fluid
from flowing into the pipe. This allows more control of the
pressure to be obtained to maintain a pressure level above a
threshold to keep the pulsation dampener 312 engaged.
[0051] In certain embodiments, valves 320, 322, and 324 can be
manual valves or controlled automatically by a drilling system to
maintain a pump discharge pressure from the pump through the
downstream system. For example, the system monitors the pressure
within the pipelines at various intervals, such as at pipeline 302A
(downstream of pump 310 as the flow enters pulsation dampener 312)
the pressure at pipeline 302B (downstream of pulsation dampener
312), and at pipeline 302E, to identify when the back pressure
created by the orifice 326 (the pump discharge pressure that is
upstream of the orifice) is no longer necessary to engage the
pulsation dampener 312. That is, when the pump 310 generates enough
pressure to engage the pulsation dampener 312 without the need of
the back pressure created by the orifice 326, the flow can be
unrestricted. Thereafter, the system can open the valve 324 on
pipeline 302D to allow the flow to pass through both pipelines 302C
and 302D. Then the system can close one or both valves 320 and 322,
essentially removing the orifice 326 from the system, thereby
eliminating the back pressure created by the orifice 326.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the orifice 326 is a restriction
device that acts as a pressure increasing apparatus, such as a
pressure regulating valve. A pressure regulating valve is a valve
that reduces input to a specified output pressure. The pressure
increasing unit can have a preset pressure or can be dynamically
controlled to increase or decrease the back pressure as needed to
engage the pulsation dampener 312.
[0053] In certain embodiments, the orifice 326 can be a variable
diameter orifice. A variable diameter orifice can regulate the back
pressure without the need for three or more flow paths each with a
different sized orifice to incrementally increase or decrease the
back pressure.
[0054] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross sectional view 301 of a
combination pipeline 302C with a restriction (similar to orifice
326 of FIG. 3A) according to various embodiments of the present
disclosure. Cross sectional view 301 is an enlarged view of orifice
326 of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3B does not limit the scope of this disclosure
to any particular embodiments of a precharge manifold system.
[0055] The cross sectional view 301 illustrates pipeline 302C with
a diameter 355 and the direction of flow illustrated by arrow 352.
Cross sectional view 301 includes orifice 326, pressure sensor 370,
and pressure sensor 375.
[0056] Orifice 326 is an orifice plate that is typically used to
measure the rate of flow of a fluid through the plate by placing
pressure sensors directly upstream and downstream of the orifice
plate. The flow rate through the orifice plate can be derived based
on comparing the two diameters that of the pipeline diameter 355
and the orifice diameter 365.
[0057] The pipeline 302C has a center line depicted by dashed line
350. Orifice 326 has an opening that is sized according to the
diameter 365. By comparing the pressure via pressure sensor 370
(upstream of the orifice 326) and the pressure sensor 375
(downstream of the orifice 326) along with the ratio of the
diameter 355 of the pipeline 302C with the diameter 365 of the
orifice 326 the flow rate can be derived for the fluid flowing
through the pipeline 302C. Similarly, based on the ratio of the
diameter 355 of the pipeline 302C with the diameter 365 of the
orifice 326 the back pressure can be derived as the pump 310
ramps-up. For example, if pump 310 (of FIG. 3A) is a positive
displacement pump that displaces an average volume of fluid
regardless of the pressure or velocity, and the diameters 355 and
365 are fixed, as the pump 310 ramps-up the pressure increases to
engage the pulsation dampener 312, earlier. In certain embodiments,
the pressure sensors 370 and 375 can be located further upstream
and downstream respectively from the orifice 326. In certain
embodiments, additional pressure sensors can be located through 300
of FIG. 3A.
[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a fluid delivery and
pulsation dampening system 400 of the pump dampener system 300 with
multiple flow paths, according to various embodiments of the
present disclosure. FIG. 4 does not limit the scope of this
disclosure to any particular embodiments of a precharge manifold
system.
[0059] In operation 402, the piping with the restriction is opened
via valve 320, 322, or both, while the piping without the
restriction (such as a free flowing pipe) is closed. Prior to
engaging the pump (similar to pump 310 FIG. 3A) to commence
ramping-up to the pump discharge pressure, the fluid is
pre-directed to flow from the pump to the pulsation dampener
(similar to the pulsation dampener 312 of FIG. 3A) to the pipeline
with the restriction. For example, the fluid is pre-directed to
flow from the pump 310 to pipeline 302C (of FIG. 3A) via wye pipe
303 (of FIG. 3A), in order for the back pressure to be increased
via the orifice 326 (of FIG. 3A).
[0060] A controller 380 can monitor the sensors 315 and 316,
receive operation information, and control valves 320, 322 and
3234. "Receive" can mean that receiving from a memory, receiving
inputs from a user, etc. The operation information can include a
pressure threshold, precharge pressure of the pulsation dampener,
etc. The pressure threshold can be a determination of addition of
the precharge pressure and the pressure drop in the restricted flow
path. For example, when the pressure drop is 2500 psi and the
precharge pressure 3000 psi, the pressure threshold would be 5500
psi. The controller 380 can use the pressure threshold in
determining when to switch from the restricted flow path to the
open flow path.
[0061] In operation 404, the pump (similar to pump 310 of FIG. 3A)
is activated to start the drilling operation, thereby pumping fluid
through the pipeline with the restriction (such as pipeline 302C
with orifice 326 of FIG. 3). As the pump is ramping-up, the
restriction increases the pressure upstream, where the pulsation
dampener is located. By the pressure increasing quicker than the
pressure that is naturally generated by the system, the pulsation
dampener can be engaged earlier in the drilling operation. While
the pump is active, the fluid leaves the pipeline 302C and merges
into the pipeline 302E and continues through the rest of the system
at the downstream system pressure as generated by the pump.
[0062] The controller 380 can determine that the pump pressure is
below the operating pressure or the precharge pressure of the
pulsation dampener. The controller 380 can close the valve on the
open flow path and open the valve or valves on the restricted flow
path.
[0063] In operation 406, the pressure is monitored at a pulsation
dampener as well as down stream of the orifice. In certain
embodiments, the pressure is monitored at the pulsation dampener,
upstream of the restriction, or downstream of the restriction or a
combination thereof. The pressure is monitored at or near the
pulsation dampener to allow an operator or the system to derive
when the pulsation dampener is engaged based on the pump discharge
pressure of the fluid and the precharge pressure of the pulsation
dampener.
[0064] The controller 380 can determine that the pump pressure has
reached a pressure threshold. The pressure threshold is a pressure
measurement for indicating when the pump pressure is sufficient to
switch from the restricted flow path to the open flow path. The
pressure threshold is determined using a combination of the
precharge pressure of the pulsation device and a pressure drop of
the restricted flow path. The controller 380 can also determine
that the system pressure after the discharge piping has reached an
operating pressure or the precharge pressure of the pulsation
dampener.
[0065] In operation 408, when the desired pump discharge pressure
is reached, the pipe without the restriction is opened via a valve,
thereby allowing the fluid to flow through both the piping with the
restriction and the piping without the restriction. For example,
the fluid can flow through both pipeline 302C and 302D of FIG. 3.
In certain embodiments, both pipelines are opened via valves that
are controlled by a control system that monitors the pressure to
ensure the pulsation dampener is operating effectively. In certain
embodiments, both pipelines are opened for a short period of time
to prevent a large pressure drop that would cause the pulsation
dampener to become ineffective at dampening pulsations caused by
the pump. The fluid leaves the pipeline 302C and 302D and merges
together into pipeline 302E where the fluid continues through the
rest of the system at the pump discharge pressure. The pump
discharge pressure and the downstream system pressure are
similar.
[0066] In operation 410, the piping with the restriction is closed
via at least one valve. For example, by closing valve 320 or 322 or
both, the flow is directed only through pipeline 302D from pipeline
302B. The fluid leaves the pipeline 302D and merges into the
pipeline 302E and continues through the rest of the system at the
pump discharge pressure.
[0067] Once controller 380 has determined that the pump pressure
has reached the pressure threshold or that the system pressure has
reached the operating pressure, the controller 380 can open the
valve on the unrestricted flow path and close the valve or valve on
the restricted flow path.
[0068] Although FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a pulsation
dampening system 400, various changes may be made to FIG. 4. For
example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in FIG. 5
could overlap, occur in parallel, or occur any number of times.
[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a fluid delivery and
pulsation dampening system 500 of the pump dampener system 300 with
multiple flow paths, according to various embodiments of the
present disclosure. FIG. 5 does not limit the scope of this
disclosure to any particular embodiments of a precharge manifold
system.
[0070] In operation 502, the pump dampener system 300, of FIG. 3A
receives a fluid from a pump. The fluid can be used in drilling
operations. The pump can be a positive displacement pump, such that
the volume of fluid moved by the pump does not change, unless the
pump revolutions per minute (RPM) change or the piston diameter
changes. For example, when the pump is ramping up, the RPM of the
pump is changes as the pump starts from a stationary position to a
RPM that is used under general operating conditions.
[0071] In operation 504, a pulsation dampener can be located
downstream of the pump and dampens any pulsations generated by the
pump. The pulsation dampener can be sized based on the general
operating conditions of the system. While the pump is ramping up,
the pulsation dampener may not effectively reduce pulsations as
compared to the general operating conditions of the system.
[0072] In operation 506, a pressure sensor can detect the pump
pressure of the fluid. In operation 508, the fluid can be split
into two or more paths. When the fluid is split into two paths, one
path is unrestricted while the other path includes a restriction.
The restriction can artificially increase the pressure of the fluid
to engage the pulsation dampener earlier. When the fluid is split
into three or more paths, one path is unrestricted, while every
other path includes a restriction to artificially increase the
pressure of the fluid, to different pressures to engage the
pulsation dampener earlier.
[0073] Although FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a pulsation
dampening system 500, various changes may be made to FIG. 5. For
example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in FIG. 5
could overlap, occur in parallel, or occur any number of times.
[0074] None of the description in this application should be read
as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an
essential element that must be included in the claim scope. The
scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the claims.
Moreover, none of the claims is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
112(f) unless the exact words "means for" are followed by a
participle. Use of any other term, including without limitation
"mechanism," "module," "device," "unit," "component," "element,"
"member," "apparatus," "machine," "system," "processor," or
"controller," within a claim is understood by the applicants to
refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art and
is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f).
[0075] Although the present disclosure has been described with an
exemplary embodiment, various changes and modifications may be
suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the
present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *